Senate Bill 17-008 Removes Automatic and Gravity Knives from the State’s Definition of Illegal Weapons, Legalizes Possession and Sale
The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) today announced the Senate passage of Colorado SB 17-008, which repeals the prohibition of automatic and gravity knives within the state, by a vote of 32-2. The legislation removes gravity and automatic knives (referred to in the legislation as switchblade) from the definition of illegal weapons under the Colorado Revised Statues. AKTI worked to conceive of and draft the language with the bill’s sponsor, Senator Owen Hill, R-10. The House version, which should have a hearing in coming weeks, is sponsored by Representative Steve Lebsock, D-34.
“Ensuring that the laws of our state protects the rights of Coloradans using knives and edged tools for daily, professional, and recreational use is one of the most important things our legislature can do,” said Senator Hill. “I am pleased to sponsor SB 17-008, which will allow law abiding Coloradans to possess automatic knives, an important tool for daily life, without restrictions and government overreach.”
AKTI is a non-profit 501(c)6 organization that represents all segments of the knife industry and knife users, promoting reasonable and responsible knife legislation and enforcement. We believe that law-abiding citizens should be able to carry their essential and valuable tools without the fear of arbitrary, inconsistent and ineffective government restrictions.
“We are extremely pleased to announce that the Colorado Senate passed SB 17-008,” said AKTI’s Executive Director, Jan Billeb. “AKTI believes that Colorado’s burdensome prohibitions restrict Coloradans from possessing critical tools that are used by tradesmen, hunters, veterans, and all citizens as a part of their daily life. AKTI thanks Senator Hill and Representative Lebsock for their leadership on the issue.”
“As a 23 year combat veteran, and as law-abiding Coloradan, I was honored to work with the American Knife & Tool Institute, as well as Senator Hill, to further SB 17-008,” said John Bloodgood, an AKTI member who testified in support of the bill. “Repealing the prohibition on automatic knives in Colorado is critical. I had to give back most of my gear and equipment when I retired from the Air Force, including any weapons the federal government deemed dangerous and illegal. Since automatic knives are not illegal to possess under federal law, I was permitted to keep and use my automatic knife. However, the state of Colorado decided otherwise and deemed me a criminal if I kept my automatic knife. It’s time for Colorado to get rid of this superfluous law and allow law-abiding citizens to carry their automatic knives.”
Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Repeal Bill
AKTI Announces Legislation to Repeal Colorado’s Automatic Knife Prohibitions
AKTI Colorado Whitepaper